Master of Science in Building Engineering

This course introduces key approaches, strategies, and data collection methods used in building engineering research. Students will learn how to select appropriate research methodologies for their MSc thesis and how to design, develop, and pilot data collection instruments before implementation. The course also clarifies the standards of academic work, including language use, writing style, and document structure. As a culmination, students will prepare a comprehensive research proposal that forms the foundation of their master's thesis.

The course aims to introduce a new computing paradigm for solving complex civil and building engineering problems. It equips students with the concepts of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) computational techniques, such as artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, decision trees, and hybrid systems. Emphasis will be given to applying these techniques in various relevant engineering problems, including but not limited to prediction, classification, and optimization.

This course introduces the principles and practices of designing building services systems (HVAC, lighting, water, electrical, and renewable energy systems) with a strong focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and low-carbon design. Students will learn how to integrate passive and active systems to achieve high-performance buildings compliant with international green building standards.

This course explores principles and strategies for achieving building resilience in the face of climate change and environmental hazards. It examines the evolution of environmental design, risk assessment, and material performance under climate and pollution stresses. Students evaluate sustainability-resilience interactions and cover approaches to ensure building resilience against fire, earthquakes, wind, hurricanes, and floods.

The MSc Seminar course introduces students to the nature and purpose of academic research in building engineering through a structured program of weekly seminars. Students attend and critically summarize presentations delivered by faculty members and invited speakers, gaining exposure to contemporary research areas, advanced methodologies, and diverse presentation techniques. Each student delivers a seminar based on their proposed research, developing confidence, scholarly communication skills, and familiarity with advanced research practices. The course fosters intellectual curiosity, lifelong learning, and research leadership, while promoting awareness of ethical and social considerations. It supports students in refining research ideas and identifying focused directions for their MSc thesis.

Students must conduct research, prepare a written thesis, and defend it in a final oral examination before a committee. The thesis should exhibit the student's competence in research through the application of an existing body of knowledge to solve a new research question or specific problem in a new setting. The student must have successfully completed and defended a written thesis proposal before registering for the thesis. The student must have finished all other program requirements and completed a refereed article or conference paper accepted for publication before the thesis defense.

This course covers the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into building design processes. Students will learn to apply AI-driven tools and methodologies to optimize, innovate, and creatively enhance building design. The course covers generative design, machine learning, AI visualization techniques, computational optimization, and data-driven decision-making strategies.

The course explores the principles and practices of building operation and management, focusing on the efficient, sustainable, and safe functioning of modern buildings. Students will learn to manage building systems, energy use, maintenance, and occupant comfort using data-driven tools and industry standards. Emphasis is placed on lifecycle thinking, digital technologies, and compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. Through lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, students will develop the competencies needed for professional roles in facilities and operations management.

This course introduces the principles, strategies, and applications of sustainability and the circular economy within the context of building engineering. The course explores the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development, emphasizing life cycle thinking, resource efficiency, and systems innovation. Students will critically examine the environmental impacts of construction materials and processes, evaluate frameworks for sustainable design and infrastructure, and explore circular economy models that promote material reuse and resilience in the built environment. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC), and circular design metrics.

This course covers the properties, performance, and applications of advanced building materials, including cementitious binders, Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC), Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP), alkali activated binders (AABs), and Geopolymer Concrete (GPC). Emphasis is placed on material behavior, sustainability, and their role in modern building construction and infrastructure development.

This course helps the student understand the construction cost estimating process and the detailed analysis to be performed in relation to the building construction life cycle. It presents the latest techniques and principles used in estimating, cash flow management and cost control. It also covers uncertainty in estimating and contingency analysis.

This course covers advanced cooling technologies and design strategies for buildings, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and indoor thermal comfort. It addresses the thermodynamic principles and design methodologies of conventional vapor-compression systems, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Additionally, it explores alternative approaches, including absorption, adsorption, evaporative, radiant, and hybrid cooling systems, integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal energy.

The objective of this course is to provide students with a solid understanding of the principles and practices of energy management and optimization in industrial, commercial, and building systems. The course introduces effective energy management strategies, energy auditing methodologies, and techniques for analyzing and improving energy performance. It also covers economic and financial analysis of energy efficiency measures to support informed decision-making. Through comprehensive real-world case studies, students will develop practical skills in identifying energy-saving opportunities, applying optimization approaches, and evaluating the technical, economic, and environmental impacts of energy management solutions.

This course provides an overview of the engineering approach to domestic wastewater treatment systems. It covers the basic description and principles of unit operations and processes used in the treatment of wastewater. It presents physical, chemical, and biological processes, including sedimentation, filtration, biological treatment, disinfection, and sludge processing. It explains the kinetic theory of biological growth, applying it to typical aerobic processes, and appreciating the purpose and practice of sludge treatment.